Worksop stabbing: Hero of the hour teenager praised for dashing to aid of bleeding victim

Andy Franks, 19, has been praised for his bravery

Sophie Wills

A Worksop teenager has been praised for rushing to the aid of a stabbing victim as they lay bleeding on Carlton Road yesterday (Thursday 12th June).

Andy Franks, 19, of Gateford, was beginning his shift at Mr Tyre at around 8am when he ‘heard screaming’ and ran outside.

He found a 27-year-old man lying in a pool of blood on the pavement with his friend leaning over him, shouting for help.

Andy told the Guardian: “I’ve never seen anything like that before. There was blood everywhere, it was awful.”

“The victim’s friend was in the middle of phoning an ambulance and cried out to me.”

Thinking quickly, Andy dashed back inside the building where he grabbed towels to stem the bleeding.

He said: “The man was bleeding heavily from the back of his neck and I pressed the towels against the wound- I thought he was a gonner.” “I can’t really remember how I felt at the time. All I know is adrenaline kicked in and I just got on with it.”

“We were there for about ten minutes before the ambulance came, but it seemed like forever. We just sat there talking to him, trying to keep him conscious until help arrived.”

The victim was then taken to hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

Despite the heroic act, Andy said he didn’t think he ‘did anything special.’

“When something like that happens, your natural instinct is to help in whatever way you can. I did what anyone would do,” he said.“I just hope he’s ok. I’m still shaken up about it.”

The community have praised Andy for his efforts in assisting the wounded man.

Andy’s brother, Paul Pritchard, said: “My little brother practically saved this man’s life. He should be recognised for his bravery.”

Hayley Durham, from Worksop, said: “Andy- we need more people like you in the world.”

Notts Police said a 38-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the incident and is in custody.